Academics

Course Catalog

The major in Spanish consists of nine courses and a comprehensive examination or, with faculty approval, a senior thesis. The Spanish Comprehensive Exam consists of two parts: 1) a Standardized Proficiency Exam that assesses students' mastery of the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and 2) an individualized content-based language product intended for an outside audience. Students who are exempt from the two-semester general education language requirement must complete eight courses above the 102 level plus the comprehensive exam or senior thesis.

The following are required for the major:

SP 207 Spanish: Written Expression

At least two 300 level courses

At least one 400 level course

Native speakers who qualify, as ascertained by the Spanish faculty, have three courses toward the major waived. They must complete six courses at the 300/400 level (including two 300 level courses and at least one 400 level course), as well as a comprehensive examination or, with faculty approval, a senior thesis.

All courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better. All 300/400 level courses fulfill the Humanities requirement for general education.

Spanish majors are expected to speak the language well enough to be rated at the Intermediate Mid-level of proficiency as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and are therefore strongly urged to spend at least one semester abroad. The Office of International Education will assist students in identifying appropriate programs. Please note that all study abroad must be approved by language faculty and cleared by the registrar. Students are also encouraged to participate in Eckerd's language-intensive winter terms offered in Spain and Latin America. Moreover, Eckerd offers a semester of study abroad at the Latin American Studies Center.

Majors who transfer credit (from U.S. or abroad) are required to take at least one advanced Spanish course at Eckerd.

Double majors: Students who major in International Business, International Relations and Global Affairs, or International Studies are especially encouraged to add a Spanish major to their course of studies.

Many Spanish majors continue their study of language at the graduate level. Proficiency in a modern language and knowledge of its literature and cultural context will increase employablility and opportunities for graduate study and will prepare students for our increasingly global society. Our majors pursue a variety of careers in education, law, government, social work, journalism, and business.

The minor in Spanish consists of five courses. Students who are exempt from the two-semester general education language requirements must complete four courses above the 102 level. Native speakers must complete four courses at the 300/400 level.

Minors who transfer credit (from the U.S. or abroad) are required to take at least one advanced Spanish course at Eckerd.

SP 201: Intermediate Spanish IComprehensive review and in-depth review of grammar. Emphasis on interaction and communication, allowing students to express, interpret, and negotiate meaning in context. Practice in all four skills, including writing and fiction reading. Prerequisite: SP 102.

SP 204: Spanish: Reading the ClassicsStudy great works of Spanish and Latin American literature (abridged versions) in the historical and literary context in which they were created. Explore their universal appeal through their most recent film reinterpretations. Prerequisite: SP 202.

SP 207: Spanish: Written ExpressionDevelopment of writing skills. Review of selected grammar topics such as relative pronouns, indicative and subjunctive tenses, and narrating in the past. Vocabulary acquisition and proper use of dictionary. Intensive writing. Prerequisite: SP 202.

SP 300H: Hispanic Short FictionIntroductory survey of the short fiction of both Spain and Latin America during the 19th and 20th centuries. Among the themes to be studied are social and political injustice, women's rights, alienation, violence, humor and love. Prerequisite: SP 204 or SP 207.

SP 301H: History and Culture of the Hispanic WorldHistory and culture of Spain and Latin America and their interaction. Consider the birth of Spain as a nation, the discovery and conquest of Latin America, the transition from autocracy to democracy in Latin America. Prerequisite: SP 207.

SP 308H: Film and Literature: Spanish Civil WarHistorical overview of the Spanish Civil War. In-depth study of texts and films that address the war in a national and international context. Multiple perspectives through works by authors from Spain, England and Italy. Prerequisite: SP 207 or any 300 level Spanish course.

SP 309H: Film and Literature: Hispanics in the U.S.Selected films and narrative works of fiction and non-fiction explore and highlight contrasting aspects of "Anglo" and Hispanic cultures. Development of cultural awareness through the analysis of the general principles that guide the students' own culture. Prerequisite: SP 207 or any 300 level Spanish course.

SP 310H: Literature, Film and Art: Lorca, Bunuel, DaliContribution of these artists to a cultural renaissance in 20th century Spain. In-depth analysis of selected plays, poems, films and paintings. Visits to the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. Prerequisite: SP 207 or any 300 level Spanish course.

SP 312H: Latin American Culture in FilmIn-depth analysis of Latin American films by contemporary directors like Bemberg, Cuaron, Diegues, Lombardi and Martel covering all major regions. Influence of class, religion, history, economics, politics and national identities in contemporary Latin America. Prerequisite: SP 207 or any 300 level Spanish course.

SP 320H: Applied Spanish: TranslationAdvanced course in translation. Practical application in translating technical and literary texts. Students will translate written material mostly from Spanish to English, but will also practice translation from English to Spanish. Prerequisite: SP 207 or any 300 level Spanish course.

SP 401: Spanish Literature: Modern NovelMajor novels from late 19th century to the 1960's by eminent Spanish writers such as Galdos, Baroja, Unamuno, Cela, Delibes and Laforet.

SP 408: Latin American Literature: Reinventing FictionUnderstanding the social messages and aesthetic literary innovations, such as magical realism, in key works of 20th century Latin America literature by authors such as Vargas Llosa, Garcia Marquez and Fuentes. Prerequisite: Any 300 level course.

SP 412: Cuban LiteratureA panoramic view of Cuban litarature in Spanish from the colonial period to the present. Study how a sugar cane economy and slavery impact Cuban society through short fiction, novels, poetry, theater, essay, and film.

SP 498: Comprehensive Examination

SP 499: Senior Thesis

Phi Beta Kappa

Eckerd College is one of only 270 colleges nationwide recognized by Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and best known society for recognition of academic excellence and scholarly achievement. Learn more.

Colleges That Change Lives

Eckerd College is one of only 40 colleges featured in Loren Pope's Colleges That Change Lives. Learn more.